Zimbabwe Police Launch Manhunt for $4 Million Bank Robbery Suspects in South Africa

Zimbabwean police are pursuing seven armed robbers who stole US$4 million from an Ecobank branch in Bulawayo. The suspects have fled to South Africa, prompting a request for Interpol’s assistance. The ringleader, Elijah Vumbunu, has a criminal past and was previously released from a lengthy prison sentence. The unusual amount of cash raised concerns about bank security. The police have adopted a shoot-to-kill policy in response to escalating armed robberies in the region.

Police authorities in Zimbabwe are currently in pursuit of a group of seven suspected bank robbers who allegedly fled to South Africa following a daring heist that netted them approximately US$4 million, a staggering amount in Zimbabwean terms. The incident occurred at an Ecobank branch in Bulawayo, where the armed suspects, brandishing AK47 rifles, executed the robbery within a span of two minutes, seizing cash boxes that were being unloaded from a cash-in-transit vehicle stationed outside the bank. Witnesses captured the scene on their mobile devices, documenting the chaotic atmosphere as the robbery unfolded. As investigations progressed, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) identified the main suspects believed to reside across the border in South Africa. Among those named are Elijah Vumbunu, who is thought to be the ringleader, his brother Takafa Vumbunu, and others such as David Sawadye, Israel Zulu, Kudakwashe Mudzingwa, Paul Chinake, and Brian Murape. Notably, Elijah Vumbunu had previously benefited from a presidential parole after serving 14 years for armed robbery, prompting concerns regarding his alleged recurring criminal activities. The police spokesperson, Paul Nyathi, acknowledged the international dimension of the investigation, stating, “When a crime of this magnitude is committed in our country and our investigations suggest the involvement of foreign nationals or the participation of our citizens, who we believe skipped our borders, then we must involve Interpol.” He confirmed that the ZRP had formally reached out to Interpol to assist with apprehending the suspects. However, the circumstances surrounding the robbery raised eyebrows within the banking community, as the amount taken was deemed excessive for a typical bank branch. Andrew Mallon, CEO of the security firm Safeguard, emphasized the unusualness of transporting such a substantial sum. In a recent communication to clients, he remarked, “A four million dollar move obviously poses a significant risk and is well outside any contracted limit for Safeguard and almost certainly the security industry Africa-wide.” The spate of armed robberies has prompted the police to adopt a stringent shoot-to-kill policy, particularly targeting armed criminals. In August, two gang members were shot dead during police operations. Within a week of the Ecobank heist, several additional robberies were reported, further underscoring the escalating crime situation in Zimbabwe, with the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency recording an alarmingly high average of 25 armed robberies per day from 2020 to 2021.

The recent bank robbery in Zimbabwe highlights the growing concerns regarding security and crime within the nation. With the involvement of a notorious criminal figure such as Elijah Vumbunu, who has a history of armed robbery, the incident also raises questions about systemic issues within the justice system and public safety. The involvement of Interpol suggests the cross-border nature of such crimes, necessitating international cooperation to address rising criminal activities. The substantial sum stolen and the brazen method of execution indicate a troubling trend of sophisticated criminal enterprises operating in the region. Additionally, the police’s response in adopting a shoot-to-kill policy reflects the increasing desperation in combating a surge in armed robberies and organized crime.

In conclusion, the audacious heist at Ecobank in Zimbabwe, which resulted in the theft of US$4 million, has sparked a significant manhunt for the suspects believed to be operating from South Africa. The identification of the suspects, particularly the notorious Elijah Vumbunu, and the involvement of international law enforcement underscores the complexity of this case. With a worrying trend of violent crime noted in the region, this incident further calls attention to the urgent need for improved security protocols and collaborative efforts to combat organized crime across borders.

Original Source: www.zawya.com